England pace bowler Josh Tongue has pledged his long-term future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge through to no later than the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old cricketer, who moved to the defending County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already established himself as an important player, claiming 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, featuring three five-wicket hauls. The deal demonstrates confidence in a bowler who has also become a important part of the England Test squad.
England ace extends Trent Bridge contract
Tongue expressed his delight at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, emphasising his personal development since arriving at the club. “I love playing here and I feel my game has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” the pace bowler stated. His commitment to the county reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler keen to build on the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores embraced the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s importance to the team both on and off the field. “It’s a real boost to have current international players at the club as it continually reminds everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach praised Tongue’s impact during Nottinghamshire’s title-winning season, noting that his standard in the bowling attack offers assurance for seasons ahead. The retention of an established England international underscores the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst nurturing players for England.
Impressive track record following moving in 2024
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire a couple of years back, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s premier fast bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has settled smoothly into the Trent Bridge setup, showcasing the technical prowess and psychological strength required to succeed at the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors acknowledging his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in seven first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- An average of 22.87 demonstrates consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a nine-cap Test international for England with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship title
Trophy-winning season
Tongue’s first season at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches during the early part of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their maiden County Championship crown since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket performances, showcasing his capacity for delivering match-winning performances when pressure peaks. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s 15-year drought for championship glory, establishing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling attack.
This season has seen Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match so far. In Nottinghamshire’s commanding 192-run victory over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his significance to the defending champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform reliably at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently preserving his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their title status.
International breakthrough and Ashes performances
Tongue’s ascent on the international stage has been remarkably swift. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a key part of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Test matches showcases a degree of consistency that contradicts his comparative lack of experience at the elite level. The 28-year-old’s journey from county cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, highlighting the technical refinement and mental fortitude required to compete against the best batsmen in the world in various formats and different conditions.
The true indication of Tongue’s standard came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he proved to be one of the standout performers in an largely underwhelming campaign. Taking 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue proved instrumental in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-for in that match exemplified his capacity to deliver under immense pressure, providing the kind of match-winning bowling displays that England urgently required during their 4-1 series loss.
| Competition | Performance |
|---|---|
| Test debut (Ireland, 2023) | Established international credentials |
| Ashes series (Australia, 2025-26) | 18 wickets in three matches, including maiden five-wicket haul |
| Boxing Day Test (MCG) | First five-wicket haul; England’s only series victory |
| Career record (nine Tests) | 49 wickets at international level |
Moores backs extended outlook
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the significance of retaining a existing international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers concrete gains to the broader playing group, giving younger talents the opportunity to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s deliberate strategy to maintaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a practical asset and an influential presence for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal represents a substantial expression of confidence from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a foundation of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the fast bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing suggests that Nottinghamshire plan to compete for further honours, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those ambitions during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores underscores the value of international players raising squad standards and growth prospects
- Tongue’s impact on the previous season’s Championship win highlights tangible on-field contributions to achievement
- Three-year deal reflects shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations